COVID-19 Specimens - LabCE.com, Laboratory Continuing Education

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course COVID-19: Basics and Biosafety Precautions. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about COVID-19: Basics and Biosafety Precautions (online CE course)

COVID-19 Specimens

COVID-19 specimens obtained for clinical testing must be collected according to the specific testing laboratory guidelines.

CDC recommends collecting and testing one of the following acceptable upper respiratory specimen types for initial diagnostic testing of SARS-CoV-2:

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab
Oropharyngeal (OP, throat) swab
Nasal mid-turbinate (NMT) swab
Anterior nares (nasal) swab
Nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate or nasal wash/aspirate

Also acceptable are lower respiratory tract specimens:

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Tracheal aspirate
Pleural fluid
Lung biopsy
Sputum